Baseball and Jackie Robinson
Linda „Suzanne‟ Grimes
California University of Pennsylvania
Graduate December 2007
BS Secondary Education – Mathematics
BA Mathematics
Overview:
One of America‟s favorite past time is baseball. Baseball is has been consider our
country‟s „National Past Time‟ that has evolved and affected racial views over time. The
history of baseball and the profound effects on society can be examined by the first
African American player, Jackie Robinson. Presenting material in an exciting manner
through investigation of the history of baseball through an early film, photographs, and
newspaper stories will allow the students to calculate players‟ stats that can be used
with real world examples.
Goal:
The students will examine past historical affects of baseball on society and through
analysis of past and present players be able to compute common statistics used in
baseball, such a percentages.
Grade: 7th – 12th
Subject: General Math or Algebra I
Materials:
Hand out – Data Sheet
Various baseball cards
Library of Congress
Early Motion Pictures, 1897- 1920, The ball game; Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
Newspaper: New York Tribune 1866 – 1924
Web site: Baseball, the Color Line, and Jackie Robinson
Photograph: „Hot Dogs‟
Letter from Jackie Robinson to Branch Rickey, 1950:
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Image of Page One
Image of Page Two
Transcription
Branch Rickey's Speech to the "100-Percent Wrong Club"
Photograph: Film still from the Jackie Robinson story
Photograph: Cy Young
Song: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Beyond the Playing Field: Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate
The National Archives and Records Administration site focuses on Robinson‟s
activities as a civil rights advocate.
Expected Duration:
11 days
Objectives:
The student will be able to:
Mathematics
2.1.8.A Represent and use numbers in equivalent forms (e.g., integers, fractions,
decimals, percents, exponents, scientific notation, square roots).
2.1.8.C Distinguish between and order rational and irrational numbers.
2.2.11 D. Describe and explain the amount of error that may exist in a computation
using estimates.
2.2.11 F Demonstrate skills for using computer spreadsheets and scientific and
graphing calculators.
History
8.1.6.A Understand chronological thinking and distinguish between past, present and
future time.
• Calendar time
• Time lines
• People and events in time
• Patterns of continuity and change
• Sequential order
• Context for events
8.1.6.C Explain the fundamentals of historical interpretation.
• Difference between fact and opinion
• Multiple points of view
• Illustrations in historical stories
• Causes and results
• Author or source of historical
8.1.6.D Describe and explain historical research.
• Historical events (time and place)
• Facts, folklore and fiction
• Historical questions
• Primary sources
• Secondary sources
• Conclusions (e.g., simulations, group projects, skits and plays)
Reading to read Independently
1.1.8. A Locate appropriate texts (literature, information, documents) for an assigned
purpose before reading.
1.1.8.B Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to
comprehend information.
1.1.8.C Use knowledge of root words as well as context clues and glossaries to
understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading.
Use these words accurately in speaking and writing.
1.1.8.D Identify basic facts and ideas in text using specific strategies (e.g., recall genre
characteristics, set a purpose for reading, generate essential questions as
aids to comprehension and clarify understanding through rereading and
discussion).
1.1.8.E Expand a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using idioms and
words with literal and figurative meanings. Use a dictionary or related
reference.
Read Critically in All Content Areas
1.2.8.A Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents
in all academic areas.
Differentiate fact from opinion utilizing resources that go beyond traditional text
(e.g., newspapers, magazines and periodicals) to electronic media.
Distinguish between essential and nonessential information across texts and
going beyond texts to a variety of media; identify bias and propaganda
where present.
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Draw inferences based on a variety of information sources.
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Evaluate text organization and content to determine the author‟s purpose and
effectiveness according to the author‟s theses, accuracy and
thoroughness
1.2.8.B. Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material
produced.
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Compare and analyze how different media offer a unique perspective on the
information presented.
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Analyze the techniques of particular media messages and their effect on a
targeted audience.
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Use, design and develop a media project that expands understanding (e.g.,
authors and works from a particular historical period).
1.2.8.C. Produce work in at least one literary genre that follows the conventions of the
genre.
Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
1.3.8..A. Read and understand works of literature.
1.3.8..B. Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization,
setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone and style.
1.3.8.D Identify poetic forms (e.g., ballad, sonnet, couplet)
Types of Writing
1.4.8.B Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports,
instructions, essays, articles, interviews).
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Include cause and effect.
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Develop a problem and solution when appropriate to the topic.
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Use relevant graphics (e.g., maps, charts, graphs, tables, illustrations,
photographs).
1.4.8.C Write persuasive pieces.
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Include a clearly stated position or opinion.
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Include convincing, elaborated and properly cited evidence.
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Develop reader interest.
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Anticipate and counter reader concerns and arguments.
1.4.8.D. Maintain a written record of activities, course work, experience, honors and
interests.
Quality of Writing
1.5.8. A. Write with a sharp, distinct focus
.Identify topic, task and audience.
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Establish a single point of view.
1.5.8.B. Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
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lidity and reliability of and organize information.
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Employ the most effective format for purpose and audience.
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Write paragraphs that have details and information specific to the topic and
relevant to the focus.
1.5.8.G. Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate.
Speaking and Listening
1.6.8..A. Listen to others.
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Ask probing questions.
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Analyze information, ideas and opinions to determine relevancy.
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Take notes when needed.
1.6.8..B. Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).
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Relate them to previous knowledge.
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Predict content/events.
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Summarize events and identify the significant points.
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Identify and define new words and concepts.
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Analyze the selections.
1.6.8.C. Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.
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Use complete sentences.
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Pronounce words correctly.
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Adjust volume to purpose and audience.
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Adjust pace to convey meaning.
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Add stress (emphasis) and inflection to enhance meaning.
1.6.8.D Contribute to discussions.
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Ask relevant, probing questions.
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Respond with relevant information, ideas or reasons in support of opinions
expressed.
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Listen to and acknowledge the contributions of others.
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Adjust tone and involvement to encourage equitable participation.
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Clarify, illustrate or expand on a response when asked.
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Present support for opinions.
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Paraphrase and summarize, when prompted.
1.6.8.E. Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.
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Initiate everyday conversation.
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Select a topic and present an oral reading.
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Conduct interviews as part of the research process.
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Organize and participate in informal debates.
Lesson Development:
Anticipatory Set:
Day 1
Watch a short film The Ball Game, by Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
Class discussion on what they saw in the film
Class discussion on the rules of baseball
Teacher discusses a player‟s batting average in a game
Total number of hits divided by total times at bat
Distribution hand out on other raw data collected in baseball
Discussion on how data is used
Day 2
Class will examine and discuss two newspaper photographs New Your Tribune
“The Yale Baseball Squad and The University of Pennsylvania Team”
Distribution hand out – Data Sheet
Class will divide into group of four
Distribute baseball player‟s cards and compute eight players‟ batting averages
Class will divide into six groups of four and use the Library of Congress web site;
Baseball, the Color Line and Jackie Robinson
Students will read and discuss the time era
Students will write a paragraph on their particular time era
Day 3
One student from each group will read out loud the paragraph from
Baseball, the Color Line and Jackie Robinson
Teacher demonstrates how to compute a player‟s career average
Round averages to thousand and divide the year average by the total number
of years played
Class will compute two player‟s career average
Teacher demonstrates how to compute a player‟s Slugging Average
Total bases divided total at bats
Review of rounding Decimals
Discuss rational and irrational numbers
Day 4
Class will discuss photograph from Library of Congress web site:
‘Hot Dogs’, Ebbets Field, Brooklyn
Four students will demonstrate one of their player‟s career averages on the board
Class will divide into six groups of four
1. Students receive copies of Student Handout Two, Analysis of Jackie Robinson's
Letter.
2. Using the handout, students answer the following questions, giving one-to-two
sentence explanations of their answers.
1. In which form do you prefer reading the document?
Is one form or the other more meaningful to you? Why?
2. Why do you think it was difficult for Robinson to write this letter to Rickey?
3. Why was Rickey's leaving Brooklyn harder on Robinson that on everyone else?
4. What did Robinson mean when he wrote "Baseball is like that"?
5. What "small part" did Robinson play in contributing to Rickey's success in
Brooklyn?
6. In your opinion, to what "misunderstanding" was Robinson referring?
Day 5
Class will discuss Analysis Jackie Robinson Letter
Class will discuss how baseball has changed over time
Class will compute RBI‟s – Jackie Robinson
Day 6
Class will review computing percents
Class will practice changing percents to decimals and decimals to percents
Class will take turn reading out loud “100-Percent Wrong Club”
1. Students read Branch Rickey's speech to the "100-Percent Wrong Club."
2. Students receive copies of Student Handout Three, Analysis of Branch Rickey's
Speech.
3. Using the handout, students answer the following questions:
1. In the fourth paragraph of his speech, Rickey seems to be saying that he
desired to bring a black player to the St. Louis ballclub. Why did this effort
fail?
2. According to Rickey, what were the four factors that were necessary for him
to bring a black player to the major leagues successfully?
3. Rickey stated that "the greatest danger, the greatest hazard, I felt was the
negro race itself. " What did he mean by that?
4. Rickey stated that, according to the historian Frank Tannenbaum, four
things were necessary for the acceptance of black players in baseball. What
were those four factors?
5. When Rickey stated, "I am completely color-blind," do you take him at his
word?
6. Do you think that the following statement made by Branch Rickey was true
in 1956?
America is,--it's been proven Jackie,--is more interested in the grace of a
man's swing, in the dexterity of his cutting a base, and his speed afoot, in
his scientific body control, in his excellence as a competitor on the field,-America, wide and broad, and in Atlanta, and in Georgia, will become
instantly more interested in those marvelous, beautiful qualities than they
are in the pigmentation of a man's skin.
7. What did Rickey mean when he referred to "the last syllable in a man's
name"?
Day 7
Class will review photograph from Library of Congress web site:
Baseball and Jackie Robinson
Class will discuss Branch Rickey‟s speech – “100-Percent Wrong Club”
Class will discuss how baseball has changed over time
Teacher will demonstrate – how to compute slugging average
Total bases divided by at bats
Day 8
Class will discuss photograph from Library of Congress web site:
Cy Young photograph
Teacher will demonstrate how to compute a pitcher‟s Earned Run Average
ERA - Total number of earned runs (see "ER" above), multiplied by 9, divided
by innings pitched
Class will divide into group of four
Distribute baseball player‟s cards and compute eight pitchers ERA
Day 9
Class will discuss the historical significant and sing “Take me Out to the Ball Game”
Teacher will review how to compute player‟s batting average and pitchers earned run
average
Class will divide into group of four
Distribute baseball player‟s cards
Data Sheet – Students would change the batting average to a percent by moving the
decimals to the right two places and then they would have the percentage of time
a player is at bat
Day 10
Class will review and discuss photograph from Library of Congress web site;
Jackie Robinson and Son (David)
Class will review how to compute players‟ batting average, slugging average and
pitchers earned run average
Class will discuss Jackie Robinson influence on society and today‟s sports
Class will write a paragraph on how to compute RBI, SLA and ERA
Class will write a paragraph on Jackie Robinson influence on baseball
Class will write a paragraph on Jackie Robinson affect on society
Day 11
Class will share their thoughts on their writings
Review of fractions, percents and decimals
Extension
Mathematics concepts:
Terms: Mean, Medium and Mode
Ratios: Miles per hour
Application Words problems that would determine a player RBI, SLA and ERA
Evaluation
Participation
Observation
Hand outs Data Sheet, Letter Jackie Robinson, Letter Branch Rickey
Writings
Test
Works Cited
Film:
The ball game. Director Thomas A. Edison. Thomas A. Edison, Inc. 1898. Early Motion
Pictures, 1897-1920. 20 May 1898. American Memory. Library of Congress. 26 Mar.
2008 <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mbrsmi/awal.1317>.
Newspaper:
“New York Tribune Illustrated Supplement.” New-York Tribune. 05 May 1901.
Chronicling America. Library of Congress. 25 Mar. 2008
<http://www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/lccn/sn83030214/1901-05-05/ed-1/seq-33>.
Photograph:
Baseball fans--„Hot Dogs” for fans waiting for gates to open at Ebbets Field. 6 Oct.
1920. George Gratham Bain Collection. Prints and Photographs Divison. American
Memory. Library of Congress. 25 Mar. 2008 <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3b06585>.
Cy Young, full-length portrait, standing, facing right, throwing baseball. 23 Jul. 1908.
Baseball and Jackie Robinson. Prints and Photographs Division. American Memory,
Library of Congress. 26 Mar. 08. <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3b25020>.
Film still from The Jackie Robinson Story sowing Jackie Robinson (as himself) with
fellow Dodgers in the dugout. c1950. Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded
Sound. Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound. Prints and Photographs
Divison. Library of Congress. Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division. 25 Mar.
2008. <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsc.00060>.
Sheet Music:
Norworth, Jack. Take me out to the ball game( sheet music). 1908. New York. The New
York Music Co,1908. Baseball Songs and Music. Performing Arts Encyclopedia.
Library of Congress. 26 Mar. 2008.
<http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.natlib.ihas.200033481/default.html>.